“Even after a few days, the advantages will become evident. More than anything else… Even without long meetings, I can always grasp the connection between my tasks, the tasks of my colleagues, and the overall purpose of the project. It makes exchanging opinions easier. Try using it, and you’ll understand. That’s why they use it every year, even if it makes those above uncomfortable.”
“Did Han Team Leader code this himself?”
“Huh?”
He was hidden behind a partition, so I couldn’t see him. I felt a nauseating dizziness at the base of my spine. Deputy Park responded.
“Yes, that’s right. He made the first version in college. For a group project. It’s not something I heard from him directly, but since I’m his Hoobae from school, it’s probably true.”
Something warm, like thirst, clawed at my chest. Just when it seemed sharply outlined, it blurred again, as if mocking me. A man meticulously creating such a detailed task list invited me to a hotel over the weekend and was competent enough to create this program. Even I couldn’t understand, so even if I explained it to someone, would they believe me?
“Lee Seodan.”
I spent the entire morning interpreting the task list. The overall reading materials I had been studying and the documents I received last week were of no use. There were too many terms I didn’t know, and I lacked too much background knowledge. When I tried to look it up, I was on the verge of suffocation due to the overwhelming amount of information. When Deputy Park lightly tapped my shoulder, his eyes, which had been staring at the screen all morning, sharply and sternly urged me, as if waiting. When I raised my eyes blinking, Deputy Park was leaning against the partition.
“Shall we go for lunch?”
“Oh… already?”
“Yes, it is. It’s almost one o’clock.”
The meeting room was empty. I couldn’t remember when Manager Yoon’s voice from the other side of the partition had disappeared. As I tried to get up, my stiff shoulders pulled. When the painful sound escaped, Deputy Park, who was turning off the monitor, laughed.
“It’s good to focus, but take a break. It’s just the beginning now.”
“Yes. Do we usually eat separately for lunch?”
“Usually. Except for Han Team Leader, everyone else is probably going down to the cafeteria right now, but Lee Seodan, you’ll come out with me. I’ll buy you lunch, so take your time eating and we can talk.”
“Yes.”
I left behind something uneasy, but there was no choice. I grabbed my coat and followed Deputy Park, who had already started walking.
“Is there anything you can’t eat?”
“No, I eat anything.”
“Hmm… I’m thinking of something like a rice bowl. Is that okay?”
“That’s fine.”
All the restaurants near the company were already in Deputy Park’s mind, and he walked without hesitation. As the signal changed, dark-colored office workers on the wide intersection tangled up in my head like a mess.
We crossed the street and walked for another five minutes. Deputy Park didn’t say anything, and I also kept quiet. Although no one had directly asked me why Han Team Leader had chosen me so openly, judging by Deputy Park’s demeanor, it seemed likely that the topic would come up today.
We entered a narrow alley. Deputy Park opened a blurry, dirty glass door.
“Have you been here before?”
“No.”
“It’s okay, not noisy. The food comes out quickly.”
The restaurant, decorated in Japanese style, looked shabby. Deputy Park, who sat down at an empty table, took off his coat and shouted toward the kitchen, “Two rice bowls!” A reply came back from behind the curtain, “Yes!”
I followed suit, taking off my coat and hanging it on the chair. The owner, who came out from the kitchen, placed a teapot with hot tea and two cups on the table, sweeping away the menu. Deputy Park took a sip of tea and exhaled deeply.
“The weather is getting colder.”
“Yes.”
“Did you graduate from S University, Lee Seodan?”
“Uh… yes.”
“Then you’re my Hoobae.”
I tried to pass the tea but coughed. As the cough sounded, it continued. In between coughs, I asked, “Really?” Deputy Park nodded, and with skillful movements, he rummaged through the utensil box and placed a napkin and wooden chopsticks in front of me. I belatedly reached for the utensil box, but Deputy Park, who had already picked up his chopsticks, shook his head with a smiling face.
“Han Team Leader is also from S University. Didn’t you know?”
“No… I didn’t know.”
“How could you not know? Even though we’re quite a few years apart, rumors spread across departments. Lee Seodan, did you not major in computer science?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“You didn’t participate in any extracurricular activities?”
I picked up the teacup and paused. As the meal arrived, Deputy Park pushed a plate with ginger-containing side dishes toward me and started eating his rice bowl. Watching him, I responded belatedly.
“Not much.”
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
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“Well, it’s not like he’s someone who would pick team members for that reason. The existing team members also struggle every year with writing applications.”
“…Yes.”
“There was a Hoobae who did it last year but didn’t get selected this year. We agreed to have a drink later tonight… that guy went to Han Team Leader after the announcement and clung on him. The result? Well… our team leader’s specialty is making people a mess just by talking. Lee Seodan, be careful not to get caught up in something.”
There was weight behind the casual words. Having already experienced words that cut like poison, I silently chewed on my food. Deputy Park left me alone for a moment. When a few customers sitting at the counter left, the inside of the restaurant became quiet. As if waiting for the silence after the door closed, Deputy Park gently put down the teacup.
“It’s been a few hours since you became my mentee, but… I might as well say it now.”
Saying that, Deputy Park opened his mouth. The dishes were already clean, and I put down my chopsticks and straightened my posture.
“Please continue.”
“Oh, keep eating. If it’s uncomfortable to eat now, you can tell me later.”
“No, I’ve eaten enough.”
It was unclear whether it was sand or dirt, but it was fortunate not to know. Deputy Park, who had been staring at the bowl with more than half of the scattered rice remaining, shrugged his shoulders.
“You should eat your meal properly to sustain your energy.”
“I’m sorry.”
“No need to apologize to me… It’s not like I’m trying to bring up something heavy, but I haven’t experienced this kind of thing either. Even if it’s uncomfortable, Lee Seodan, I understand.”
“No, it’s not.”
It felt like I had just had a sip of tea, but my throat felt dry. The hand resting on my knee was damp with sweat. After a while of hesitation, Deputy Park let out a sigh. The sound of him scratching his head was audible.
“Do you know how much you know, Lee Seodan… Do you know that the project team has been around for three years now?”
“Yes.”
“It was originally organized as a short-term TF… ITF, to be exact. It aimed for innovation, meaning system innovation. After the merger… Oh, should I explain everything, starting from the merger, since you weren’t here at that time? Have you heard of NEB?”
“Yes, it was a foreign company…”
“Well, a year ago, Han Team Leader joined our company through the merger process with NEB. Lee Seodan, you weren’t here during the merger, so should I explain that first? Since then, the job-grade system has been introduced, and they wanted to rejuvenate and modernize the company, but even after a year, there wasn’t much actual change. So, they assigned Han Team Leader to the TF at that time. But that was the situation back then. The influence from NEB has weakened a lot since then, and most of the upper heads at our Raywon branch are people who have no other wishes if Han Team Leader were to suddenly die. Han Team Leader needs to be cautious, but he has a temper that won’t die down…”
I couldn’t discern where the story was going. Deputy Park furrowed his brow as if struggling to find the right words.
“Many people see Han Team Leader as a thorn in their side. Until now, he followed the rules strictly, and if the TF didn’t perform well, it would have been disbanded long ago. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
“….”
“Choosing Lee Seodan was at the discretion of Han Team Leader, and it’s not my place to say, but there’s a lot of gossip. Many eyes are watching for any misstep.”
I thought to myself. If that’s the case, maybe I’m not like a lizard’s tail that can be easily cut off by Han Team Leader. Even so, Deputy Park’s words were logical, and there were many things about Han Team Leader’s actions that I couldn’t understand. In the internal politics where a single misstep could be dangerous, did he really need to handle a potential risk like a deal with me?
I lifted my head and looked at Deputy Park, who was displaying a slightly awkward expression on his friendly face.
“What do you want me to do, Deputy Park?”
Internally, I hesitated to hear words suggesting that I should leave the team. I had already prepared to hear that it couldn’t happen. However, Deputy Park sighed, shoulders slumping with fatigue.
“There’s not much you can do, Lee Seodan. The problem is Han Team Leader who selected you, not Lee Seodan who applied without much consideration. It’s not just about you.”
“….”
“Just be aware. If no one gives you a heads up, you might not know, and if you don’t know, you might make a mistake. And… it would be good if you were careful not to get caught up in any trouble for the next three months. Work hard, and if there’s anything I can help with, I’ll assist you.”
Deputy Park raised the corners of his mouth. It was a somewhat forced smile. I straightened my posture and lowered my head.
“I will do my best.”
“That’s good to hear.”
“Really… I will do my utmost. Thank you for your concern.”
“That’s enough.”
Deputy Park raised both hands, showing a somewhat awkward smile. The subsequent silence was lighter than before. Deputy Park stretched out his arms behind the back of the chair, seeming relieved.
“Shall we go, then? Are you sure you won’t eat more?”
“Yes, I’m fine.”
“Alright, let’s get up.”
Deputy Park pulled the teacup, finishing the remaining tea in one sip. As I stood up, he took out his wallet, and I stood awkwardly next to the table until he returned from the counter.
“Thank you for the meal.”
Deputy Park, who was putting his wallet in his bag, looked up curiously.
“It doesn’t seem like you enjoyed the meal much.”
“…I’m sorry.”
“I think Lee Seodan needs to pay attention to mental management now. You’ve never worked under Han Team Leader, have you? I guarantee that a new paradigm for work is about to open. You might regret submitting the application for no reason, but by then, it’ll be too late.”
Though it was meant to be a joke, as I followed Deputy Park out of the restaurant, I couldn’t bring myself to smile. Regret had already set in, and it was already too late. It was just as Han Team Leader had said. Gripping the handle of the departing train tightly, I had no other choice but to endure the remaining three months.
***
What used to be an empty study room in the morning had been transformed into a small interview room with tables and chairs.
Standing at the threshold, I recalled the meeting room where I faced Han Team Leader alone for the first time. It had only been two weeks, but it felt like several months had passed. Although the nervous tension before the upcoming conversation was still present, the nature of that tension had completely changed.
Han Team Leader, sitting at a narrow table, was rapidly scribbling on a spread of documents. No matter how long I waited, there was no invitation to enter. Opening my mouth and then just closing it, I tapped the door frame with my hand, signaling my presence. Without looking up, Han Team Leader spoke.
“Come in and have a seat.”
“Yes.”
I pulled the chair as far back as possible and sat down. I laid the documents, with corners wrinkled from sweat, on the table and waited silently. After completing the notes and closing the file, Han Team Leader finally looked up.
“Have you had lunch?”
I took a breath, and my heartbeat faltered. Looking at the neatly tied necktie, I answered before he could inquire.
“Yes, I had lunch with Deputy Park.”
It seemed like a courtesy question as he simply nodded once. His long and well-shaped fingers reached towards me, dragging the makeup chart on top of the printed materials. He lightly tapped the surface with his fingertips.
While waiting, I suppressed the thumping heart. The space was too confined. The table was small, and it felt like I might accidentally touch his foot if I stretched my leg. It was fortunate that the door was open. Through the crack, faint voices of Deputy Park and Manager Kwon could be heard.
“Lee Seodan.”
My shoulders twitched. Han Team Leader stood up, lifting a large cardboard box from behind him, and placed it in front of me. The sound was heavy enough to make a thud. Brushing off the rising dust with my hand, I saw the front cover of a thick folder inside the open entrance.
“Materials from last year and the year before for the projects. I’ve gathered everything accessible to Lee Seodan. It will be helpful since there are overlaps in tools and methods. You probably have files you’ve scrapped, so start by thoroughly reading those.”
“…Yes.”
“Separate the study content from work and write brief reports daily. I’ll allocate time for you to come and report once a day, and I’ll provide feedback on the previous day’s report. If I’m not here, you can go to Deputy Park. Any questions so far?”
I hesitated to nod and belatedly added, “No, there aren’t any.” Han Team Leader looked down at me for a moment, then, after a short exhale, rummaged through his pocket and pushed something toward me.
“Change into this now.”
“…This is…”
The necklace of the employee ID slid down towards me. Turning the plastic card over, I saw my face and name printed on it. It was like the employee ID already hanging around my neck. Han Team Leader pushed the chair in, picked up the file, and stood up.
“Let’s go.”
“Yes?”
“I’ll explain on the way. Leave the box there. When you come back, organize what you need and move it to your desk.”
Comparing the employee ID cards side by side, I stood up hurriedly. As he walked across the meeting room halfway, he turned to me and nodded towards my seat.
“Put on your jacket.”
My mind was completely blank. Swiftly returning to my seat, I picked up the jacket hanging over the chair. Deputy Park, who had been watching me since I left the study room, was smiling as if amused.
Han Team Leader, who was leaning against the corridor outside the meeting room, stood up as I approached. After scanning me with narrow eyes, he suddenly reached out his arm.
“Ugh.”
The long fingers paused for a moment in front of my tightly tied eyes. Eventually, without any issue, Han Team Leader slowly arranged a few strands of my messy hair and adjusted the knot of my tie as he moved downward. I stood still, not breathing until his hands withdrew.
Stepping back, Han Team Leader, who had been observing me silently, turned away without further explanation.
“Team leader, where—”
“Change your employee ID.”
I managed to catch up with him, my legs weakened by the force. Han Team Leader spoke without looking at me.
I followed him, removing the necklace and replacing it with the rigid item in my hand. The hair I had neatly arranged became disheveled again. Looking down at the newly changed employee ID, I noticed something strange. It wasn’t the photo or the name; it was the unfamiliar words ‘Consulting 2 Team’ written in small letters where ‘QA Team’ should have been engraved.
“Understand that the TF will be carried out in a form that also includes tasks from the existing department.”
Han Team Leader spoke while standing still, looking back at me standing stiffly in my place.
“Although the TF will have a much higher workload overall, the other team members will be working in the department and conference rooms. In your case, Lee Seodan, since you are not currently affiliated with any department, you will focus on TF work. However, according to company regulations, your affiliation must be determined.”
He started walking again, passing by the wall sign that read ‘Consulting Team 1, 2 →’.
“QA wants Lee Seodan to leave, and I cannot allow Lee Seodan to join the sales department to adapt to their work and do TF at the same time. Since there is no other option, I obtained the consent of the team members through my authority and temporarily transferred Lee Seodan to my team for three months. Just go and say a brief hello. I’ve cleared a desk, but you probably won’t need it.”
“Why…”
The noise of the company poured in through the open door—typing sounds, someone’s laughter. Han Team Leader, who had his fist against the open door, turned to look at me.
“Why go to such lengths…”
I swallowed the rest of the words. I shouldn’t have spoken, but I couldn’t retract what I had already said.
The ensuing silence was lengthy. Han Team Leader, frowning, continued to look at me.
“I don’t know what you want to ask.”
“No, nothing.”
“If you think I’m unilaterally favoring Lee Seodan, it seems you haven’t fully grasped the situation. I thought I had given enough time… You might understand better after experiencing it properly.”
His hand, unexpectedly, rearranged my hair again. This time, his fingertips touched my forehead. It was undoubtedly deliberate. The sharp edge of his fingernail was as piercing as it dug into my flesh, focusing on a few millimeters of the area in contact with precision.
I remained still, biting my lip, not moving from my position until he started walking again. The place he touched stung as if on fire. I couldn’t move until he turned the corner.
***
As usual, I swiped my card and opened the door, but the meeting room, which was supposed to be dark, was already lit. Did I forget to turn it off yesterday when leaving work? Trying to recall, I noticed a head sticking out from the other side of the partition. I was so surprised that I almost tripped over the table.
“Ah… Hello.”
It was Supervisor Kim. After her ponytail disappeared from my sight without a response, a wheeled chair rolled out from the partition next to her. Dressed in a thick cardigan, she looked younger today, perhaps because there was no makeup on her face. It reminded me of a younger sister, and as I thought about it, I realized that despite not having exchanged a single word all week, I could calmly meet her gaze as she stared at me.
“Do you come to work at this time every day?”
I was taken aback by the sudden question when our eyes finally met.
“Yes, starting this week. I find it easier to concentrate at this time at the company…”
She showed the backpack containing books. Among the contents of the box given by Han Team Leader were materials that could be taken outside, meaning textbooks unrelated to the project were piled up inside. Kim, nodded slightly, and then asked again.
“Isn’t it tiring to wake up in the early morning?”
“Well, it is, but this time it is less crowded on the subway… I think it’ll be okay once I get used to it.”
“Is your home far from the office?”
“It takes a little over an hour, but I only have to transfer once, so it’s okay. It’s a walkable distance from the station too…”
Although the questions and answers fit perfectly, it felt like a scripted response. Kim nodded again, apparently understanding something. And in the awkward silence that seemed indecisive whether to go back to her seat and open the book, Kim’s gaze shifted between her chair and the table where I was standing.
“Do you know where the break room is?”
When the silence loosened and was about to be interrupted, Kim asked. I pulled the backpack close to me and nodded belatedly.
“Is there a break room nearby?”
“The one we went to last time.”
“Yes, I know.”
“Really?”
With an amused expression, Kim continued.
“If you know where the break room is, can you make some coffee? I need to finish this report, but I’m too sleepy to concentrate.”
“Ah… Yes, I’ll be right back.”
She was more moderate than expected. I left the backpack on the table, turned around, and then changed my mind, slinging it over one shoulder. As I left the meeting room, Kim’s voice from behind the partition caught up with me.
“Make coffee with our team’s coffee maker, not the instant mix. It’s in the cupboard.”
“Yes.”
I almost laughed. A few days ago, before a long afternoon meeting, I, along with Manager Yoon, went to the break room together. I remembered how annoying it was to have to separately buy ground coffee instead of the mix, how everyone in the team had become a gourmet after being transferred to Han Team Leader, and the complaining voices mixed with the sound of coffee being brewed were audible from the other side of the break room.
Hmm… This is a fascinating story… We have these hints that the protag has done something strange but also we know he’s not a cultural fit for the company… He now has an opportunity to be himself but will he take it?
Thank you for the chapter!
Question for corporate workers here, is it really okay for your seniors in workplace to ask you to make them coffee? Especially when you’re new or have lower position than them?
This novel is low-key fueling my anxiety of working in the future 😭😭 I literally don’t have any job experience I spend my whole life in school
I’m not scared of making coffee what I’m scared about is if I can do the job properly and to be a victim of bullying in work lol I’m prolly overthinking things rn
yes, it is kind of the norm in korea where there is more importance in hierarchy so making coffee, listening to whatever your superiors say is proper manners.